My dog's anal gland ruptured. When will it heal and stop leaking?

Question

My Chihuahua mix had an anal gland rupture two days ago. It is still leaking clear fluid that has been drying near the hole. When will the gland close?

Christie Long, DVM · Accepted Answer

It usually takes about a week for an anal gland rupture to heal, but that assumes that the dog is on appropriate antibiotics and that the infection inside is clearing. If you're only seeing clear fluid and not pus, it sounds like the infection is getting better. You can apply warm compresses to the ruptured gland (wet a cloth and microwave it for 45 seconds or so until it's warm but not hot) for 5 minutes 3 times daily. It's actually not a bad thing that the hole doesn't close up too quickly, because it give the normal duct a chance to return to normal (the swelling to decrease) yet the gland will continue to drain.

My dog's anal gland ruptured. When will it heal and stop leaking?

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